Researchers in Siberia have unveiled the remains of a remarkably well-preserved baby mammoth, nicknamed Yana, which is estimated to be around 50,000 years old.

This female calf stands approximately 1.2 meters tall and weighs about 180 kilograms, making it a significant find in paleontological research.

The discovery occurred in the Batagaika crater, the largest permafrost crater in the world, which is expanding due to climate change and has led to numerous significant paleontological finds in recent years.

While some parts of Yana, such as her forelimbs, have been consumed by predators, the preservation of her head and trunk is particularly exceptional, as these areas typically decay or are eaten.

The mammoth's head, body, ears, and mouth are intact and show no visible damage, highlighting the significance of this discovery.

Woolly mammoths, like Yana, were characterized by their long, curved tusks, which could reach lengths of up to five meters and were likely used for foraging beneath deep snow.

Cherpasov noted that juvenile mammoths grew faster than modern offspring of horses, bison, and wolves, likely due to the harsher climatic conditions of the past.

Local villagers discovered Yana's carcass after thawing permafrost revealed it, emphasizing the role of climate change in uncovering such ancient remains.

Yakutia's permafrost acts as a natural freezer, preserving the remains of ancient animals, which makes discoveries like Yana's possible.

Anatoly Nikolaev, the rector of NEFU, emphasized the uniqueness of this find, calling it significant for both Russian science and the global scientific community.

Researchers aim to gather more information about Yana, including details surrounding her death and the conditions of her preservation.

Research indicates that mammoths were herbivores, as evidenced by food remnants found in the stomachs of excavated carcasses.